A cone has height 8.4 cm (half of 16.8 cm) and base diameter 4.2 cm. It is melted and recast into a sphere. Find the surface area of the sphere (use π = 22/7).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 55.44 sq cm

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We convert a cone into a sphere by melting, so volumes remain equal. From the equal volume we get the sphere radius, then compute the sphere’s surface area.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Cone height h = 8.4 cm.
  • Cone base diameter = 4.2 cm ⇒ radius r = 2.1 cm.
  • π = 22/7.
  • No loss of material: V_cone = V_sphere.


Concept / Approach:

  • V_cone = (1/3)*π*r^2*h.
  • V_sphere = (4/3)*π*R^3 ⇒ R from volume equality.
  • Surface area S = 4*π*R^2.


Step-by-Step Solution:

V_cone = (1/3)*(22/7)*(2.1)^2*(8.4)(2.1)^2 = 4.41 ⇒ V_cone = (1/3)*(22/7)*4.41*8.4 ≈ 38.79 cm^3Set (4/3)*π*R^3 = ≈ 38.79 ⇒ R^3 ≈ 38.79 * 3 / (4π)Using π = 22/7 ⇒ R^3 ≈ 37.044 / 4 = 9.261 ⇒ R ≈ 2.09 cmSurface area S = 4*π*R^2 = 4*(22/7)*(2.09)^2 ≈ 17.47*π ≈ 55.4 cm^2


Verification / Alternative check:
Using more precise intermediate rounding still yields ≈ 55.4 cm^2, matching 55.44 sq cm among options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 60/65.58/59 sq cm: Deviate from the precise conversion steps.
  • None of these: Not applicable since 55.44 sq cm fits.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using diameter instead of radius.
  • Rounding too early when finding R then squaring.


Final Answer:
55.44 sq cm

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